LONDON: Jazzlive at The Crypt

Friday 27th October, 2023

8:00pm

Event information

Led by by the transplanted New York drummer and composer Sean Noonan, this trio melds the extraordinary skills of Matthew Bourne (keys) and Otto Willberg (bass). Their collaboration ignited during the premiere of "Bartalk," a genre-defying monodrama for Speaking Drummer and Large Ensemble in April 2022 at our St. Giles' Church, seamlessly blending new music, free improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling.

Sean Noonan, a speaking drummer and composer whose music enthusiastically defies category, he prefers the title rhythmic storyteller – an apt description for a modern-day sonic griot who spins imaginative yarns in the ancient tradition of wandering minstrels while weaving captivating narrative tapestries via his unique polyrhythmic language. Noonan has released over 30 albums that are informed by an eclectic variety of influences, including rock opera, avant-garde chamber music, and improvised jazz-rock.

Matthew Bourne, a fearless and unpredictable pianist and keyboardist, possesses a burning passion for crafting music from unconventional sources, often breathing life into old and broken instruments, tracing back to his innovative experiments, such as teaching himself piano by tossing confectionery into a school instrument.

Otto Willberg, a London-based double bass virtuoso, defies musical categorisation through avant-garde collaborations, sound spatial exploration, and a diverse range of performances, making his sonic journey a captivating, multifaceted odyssey.

This trio is set to redefine the boundaries of music, offering a unique and captivating sonic exploration.